The California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful fusion of flavors that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. This iconic pizza, featuring tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, is bound to be a hit at any gathering—whether a casual evening with family or a festive get-together with friends.

Why make this recipe

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Making it at home allows you to customize the toppings and enjoy the fresh ingredients. The satisfaction of creating your own delicious pizza, combined with the vibrant and bold flavors, makes this recipe a must-try for any pizza lover. Additionally, it’s a fun dish to prepare with family or friends, fostering creativity and collaboration in the kitchen.

How to make California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

1 pizza dough
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza dough.
Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and bell peppers if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before slicing and serving.

How to serve California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

Slice the BBQ Chicken Pizza into wedges and serve hot. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or some garlic knots on the side. For an added kick, consider offering extra BBQ sauce or a drizzle of ranch dressing for dipping.

How to store California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

To store leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to make California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor; smoky, spicy, or sweet options all work well.
For a crispier crust, try pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Feel free to get creative with toppings; try adding jalapeños for spice or different cheeses for extra flavor.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and sweet corn. Additionally, you can use a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option, making it accessible to various dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make my pizza dough at home?
Yes! Making your own pizza dough is straightforward and can yield fresher taste. You can find plenty of simple recipes online.

2. How can I make my BBQ Chicken Pizza spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick.

3. Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?
Yes, it’s best to use cooked chicken, as it allows the flavors to meld during baking. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

A delightful fusion of flavors featuring tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for gatherings.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

Pizza Base

1 piece pizza dough Use store-bought or homemade dough.

Toppings

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce Experiment with different flavors.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Feel free to substitute with other cheeses.
1/2 piece red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped For garnish.
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers Optional topping.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza dough.
Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and bell peppers if using.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before slicing and serving.

Notes

Slices can be served with a salad or garlic knots on the side. For extra flavor, consider using extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. To store leftovers, cool and wrap tightly for up to 3-4 days.